Computerized data processing systems and methods for generating interactive graphical user interfaces

ABSTRACT

Centralized communication server systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a centralized server includes at least one network interface for bidirectional communication with mobile devices. At least one processor is configured to receive, via the computer network, event information for a discharge event associated with an individual, automatically identify a department associated with the one or more rooms, automatically receive protocol information for the identified department, and identify one or more milestones. The processor(s) are further configured to automatically generate workload data based on the identified milestones, receive assignment information for a plurality of individuals associated with the protocol information, and automatically assign the one or more milestones to the first individual. The processor(s) are further configured to automatically generate a first electronic notification addressed to the first mobile device, including information associated with the at least one discharge event and the one or more milestones.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.62/387,161, filed Dec. 23, 2015, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety in the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to the technical field of centralizedevent detection and communications. More particularly, disclosedembodiments are directed to centralized server-based communicationsystems for generating automated electronic messages in a facility basedon detected events. The data processing system may automate one or moreprocesses in response to the detected events and automaticallydistribute electronic messages from a centralized system to a pluralityof subsystems that traditionally often utilize unrelated, uncoordinatedinformation systems.

BACKGROUND

Modern hospitals treat hundreds of patients every day. When a patientarrives, their condition and needs must be evaluated and addressedquickly, often requiring the coordination and communication of multipledepartments in the hospital. In many situations, the incoming patientmust be placed in the proper area of the hospital, and placement isoften affected by hospital bed status and availability. Beds typicallybecome available once a previous patient is discharged from thehospital, and one or more teams clean and treat the hospital bed room.Accomplishing these discharge and cleaning processes requires frequentand constant exchange of data and information throughout the hospitalbetween disparate departments.

Traditional communication techniques for event detection andcommunication in such environments are based upon outdated communicationtechnologies, resulting in overloaded systems that are slow,error-prone, and do not provide facility-wide communication using acentralized system. Indeed, traditional techniques usually rely uponmultiple disparate systems, which may not integrate and exchangeinformation regarding discharges, cleaning team statuses, and bedavailability for new patient placement.

Traditional techniques also involve telephone-based manual reporting ofan event and/or manual requests for cleaning, usually through phonecalls between individuals in the facility. For example, in traditionalsystems, a requester may place a telephone call to a phone number, andrequest a service or provides information about a status. The requestermay speak with a computerized interactive voice response (IVR) system,which then processes the received information for review by a dispatcherto identify and direct a responder in response to the requester'sinformation. Current systems rely solely on information received duringa manual telephone call, which can be sporadic and/or untimely, and caninclude incorrect information. Moreover, because traditional systemsrely on telephone calls and IVR-based processing, traditional systemsoften experience very high call volumes which strain communicationnetworks in the facility. In many instances, unnecessary and redundantcalls also increase network strain, and traditional systems usuallyresult in overloaded telephone lines and missed requests, therebydegrading the quality and speed of room cleaning and patient placement.

In view of the technical deficiencies of current systems discussedabove, there is a need for improved systems and methods centralizedreal-time event detection and communication.

SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for automated andcentralized real-time event detection and communication. In someembodiments, events can include patient discharge activities that aredetected via electronic input from one or more mobile devices ornetworked computer terminals, or via sensor data associated with apatient or patient equipment. Events may also include facility roomtreatments such as cleaning, maintenance, or other activities associatedwith post-discharge procedures for readying a room for new patients.Event information can include, for example, occupancy and dischargestatus, bed and room cleanliness triggers, and room maintenancetriggers. Disclosed embodiments may provide for monitoring a pluralityof parameters, schedules, milestones, and events associated with apatient discharge process, and automate electronic communications basedon detected discharge events and other events associated with the bedturnaround process established for a given facility, by automating thegeneration and propagation of notifications and graphical userinterfaces to multiple electronic devices that are traditionallyassociated with disparate teams. Consistent with some embodiments, acentralized server for event monitoring and automating electroniccommunications is disclosed. The centralized server may comprise atleast one network interface for bidirectional communication with aplurality of mobile devices on at least one computer network, at leastone processor communicatively connected to the at least one networkinterface, and a storage medium storing instructions. When executed, theat least one processor is configured to perform operations including:receiving, via the at least one network interface, event informationindicative of at least one discharge event associated with one or moreindividuals assigned to one or more rooms; automatically identifying adepartment associated with the one or more rooms in the received eventinformation; automatically receiving, from one or more databasesconnected to the at least one computer network, cleaning protocolinformation for the identified department; identifying, in the receivedcleaning protocol information, one or more milestones to be completed;automatically generating workload data indicating a workload amountproportionate to the identified milestones; receiving, from the one ormore databases, electronic device contact information and assignmentinformation for a plurality of individuals associated with the cleaningprotocol information; comparing the assignment information and theworkload data to identify a first individual capable of completing theone or more milestones; automatically assigning the one or moremilestones to the first individual; automatically identifying, in theelectronic device contact information, a first mobile device associatedwith the first individual; and automatically generating a firstelectronic notification addressed to the first mobile device, the firstelectronic notification including information associated with the atleast one discharge event and the one or more milestones.

Consistent with some embodiments, a computerized system is disclosed.The computerized system may include at least one processor and a storagemedium storing instructions that when executed, cause the at least oneprocessor to provide for display a graphical user interface, by:receiving, from one or more databases, a first set of data related todischarges of the department; receiving, from the one or more databases,a second set of data related to routine cleaning of the department;determining one or more workload requirements based on the first set ofdata and the second set of data; receiving, from the one or moredatabases, staffing data related to the department; determining, by theat least one processor, whether an employee in the staffing data meetsthe one or more workload requirements; automatically assigning, based onthe determination, one or more tasks associated with the workloadrequirements to the employee; and generating a graphical user interfacereflecting the automatic assignment.

Consistent with some embodiments, a centralized server-based method forevent monitoring and automating electronic communications is disclosed.The method may comprise: receiving, by at least one processor via atleast one network interface to at least one computer network, eventinformation indicative of at least one discharge event associated withone or more individuals assigned to one or more rooms, automaticallyidentifying a department associated with the one or more rooms in thereceived event information, automatically receiving, from one or moredatabases connected to the at least one computer network, cleaningprotocol information for the identified department, identifying, in thereceived cleaning protocol information, one or more milestones to becompleted, automatically generating workload data indicating a workloadamount proportionate to the identified milestones, receiving, from theone or more databases, electronic device contact information andassignment information for a plurality of individuals associated withthe cleaning protocol information, comparing the assignment informationand the workload data to identify a first individual capable ofcompleting the one or more milestones, automatically assigning the oneor more milestones to the first individual, automatically identifying,in the electronic device contact information, a first mobile deviceassociated with the first individual, and automatically generating afirst electronic notification addressed to the first mobile device, thefirst electronic notification including information associated with theat least one discharge event and the one or more milestones.

Consistent with some embodiments, a computerized method is disclosed.The computerized method may include receiving, by a processor from oneor more databases, a first set of data related to discharges of thedepartment; receiving, by the processor the one or more databases, asecond set of data related to routine cleaning of the department;determining, by the processor, one or more workload requirements for thefirst set of data and the second set of data; receiving, by theprocessor from the one or more databases, staffing data related to thedepartment; determining, by the processor, whether an employee in thestaffing data meets the one or more workload requirements; automaticallyassigning, by the processor and based on the determination, one or moretasks associated with the workload requirements to the employee; andgenerating a graphical user interface reflecting the automaticassignment.

Consistent with other disclosed embodiments, non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media may store program instructions, whichare executed by at least one processor device and perform any of themethods described herein.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and, togetherwith the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system environment for generatinginteractive graphical user interfaces, consistent with embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of a computer terminal, consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts an example of a user device, consistent with embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an example of a network server, consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of a process for generatinginteractive graphical user interfaces for load balancing, consistentwith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a process for generatinginteractive graphical user interfaces for staged cleaning work,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of a process for generatinginteractive graphical user interfaces for work assignment tracking,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examplesof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and disclosedherein. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a load balancing and workflow managementsystem 100 that may be configured to perform one or more softwareprocesses that, when executed by one or more processors, perform methodsconsistent with disclosed embodiments. The components and arrangementsshown in FIG. 1 are not intended to limit the disclosed embodiments, asthe components used to implement the disclosed processes and featuresmay vary.

As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 may include a facility server 130, acomputer terminal 140, an administration terminal 145, a user device120, network server 160, third party server 170, and database 180. Thecomponents of system 100 may communicate directly, through network 150,through local network 110, or through a combination of communicationsmethods. In some embodiments, local network 110, facility server 130,computer terminal 140, administrator terminal 145, and user device 120may be physically disposed within a facility such as a hospital oroffice building (e.g. a facility system 102) while network 150, networkserver 160, third party server 170, and database 180 may be external tothe workplace. Other components known to one of ordinary skill in theart may be included in system 100 to perform tasks consistent with thedisclosed embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, facility system102 may include one or more sensor devices located throughout thefacility to monitor one or more conditions such as occupancy,temperature, humidity, proximity, and other parameters indicative of astatus or condition of a bed, room, area, equipment, or supplies.Additionally, in some embodiments facility system 102 may include one ormore wireless receivers (not shown) configured to detect one or morewireless sensors or locating tags, to track a location of a tagged itemand/or person, or a condition about the tagged item and/or person.

Computer terminal 140 may be a standalone device disposed in an office,a room, an employee station, or an alternative central location in aworkplace. In some embodiments, computer terminal 140 may be a desktopor notebook computer, a flat panel or projected display, or any otherdisplay. In some embodiments, computer terminal 140 may be associatedwith a particular room in a facility, such as a particular patient room,hotel room, conference room, or any other type of room. Thus, a messagereceived from a computer terminal 140 may automatically associate themessage with the room in which computer terminal 140 is installed.

Administrator terminal 145 may include a computer system or a deviceassociated with a user 125 that manages or oversees a portion offacility system 102. For example, administrator terminal 145 maycomprise a computer system located at a head nurse station, ahousekeeping manager's office, or any other department manager's officeor station.

User 125 may be one or more individuals associated with the patient.Users 125 may operate computer terminal 140, user device 120, and/oranother computer (not shown) to interact with system 100. Users 125 maybe individuals located within and/or outside of the facility system 102.For example, users 125 may include physicians and nurses within thefacility responsible for transferring the patients to different units.Users 125 may also include one or more individuals who are responsiblefor responding to task requests, such as cleaning and transportation ofthe patients. Users 125 may further include individuals outside offacility system 102, such as people with personal relationships with thepatients (e.g. family members) and referring individuals (e.g. outsidephysicians and medics).

System 100 may be customizable and provide individualized access foreach of the users 125. For example, in some embodiments, only certainusers 125, such as physicians and nurses, may be allowed to generatetransfer requests. In some embodiments, one or more users 125, such asthe patient's primary physician, may be required to authorize allrequests. Users 125 solely responsible for specific tasks may haveaccess limited to perform their responsibilities. It is alsocontemplated that some users 125, such as family members, may haveread-only access.

User device 120 may be a personal computing device such as, for example,a general purpose or notebook computer, a mobile device with computingability, a tablet, smartphone, wearable device such as Google Glass™ orsmart watches, or any combination of these computers and/or affiliatedcomponents. In some embodiments, user device 120 may be a computersystem or mobile computer device that is operated by user 125. In someembodiments, user device 120 may be associated with a particularindividual such as user 125, such that messages and/or task assignmentsdirected toward user 125 are sent to user device 120. In someembodiments, user device 120 may communicate with facility server 130and/or network server 160 via direct wireless communication links (notshown), or via a combination of one or more of local network 110 and/ornetwork 150.

Facility server 130 may be operated by a facility such as a hospital.Facility server 130 may enable communication within a computer-basedsystem including computer system components such as desktop computers,workstations, tablets, hand held computing devices, memory devices,and/or internal network(s) connecting the components.

Network 150 may comprise any type of computer networking arrangementused to exchange data. For example, network 150 may be the Internet, aprivate data network, virtual private network using a public network,and/or other suitable connection(s) that enables system 100 to send andreceive information between the components of system 100. Network 150may also include a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”) and/or awireless cellular network.

Local network 110 may comprise any type of computer networkingarrangement used to exchange data in a localized area, such as WiFi,Bluetooth™, Ethernet, and other suitable short-range connections thatenable computer terminal 140 and user device 120 to send and receiveinformation between the components of system 100. In some embodiments,local network 110 may be excluded, and computer terminal 140 and userdevice 120 may communicate with system 100 components via network 150.In some embodiments, computer terminal 140 and/or user device 120 maycommunicate with one or more system 100 components via a direct wired orwireless connection.

Network server 160, third party server 170, and database 180 may be oneor more servers or storage services provided by an entity such as aprovider of networking, cloud, or backup services. For example, in someembodiments, network server 160 may be associated with a cloud computingservice such as Microsoft Azure™ or Amazon Web Services™. In suchembodiments, network server 160 may comprise a plurality ofgeographically distributed computing systems executing software forperforming one or more functions of the disclosed methods. Additionally,in some embodiments, third party server 170 may be associated with amessaging service, such as, for example, Apple Push NotificationService™, Azure Mobile Services™, or Google Cloud Messaging™. In suchembodiments, third party server 170 may handle the delivery of messagesand notifications related to functions of the disclosed embodiments,such as task creation, task assignment, task alerts, and task completionmessages and notifications.

In some embodiments, system 100 may include configurations that varyfrom the example shown in FIG. 1, which illustrates a facility system102 working in concert with a cloud computing system including networkserver 160, third party server 170, and database 180. As a firstvariation, system 100 may include only facility system 102, and thus mayexclude cloud computing components such as network server 160, thirdparty server 170, and database 180. In such embodiments, facility system102 may handle substantially all operations and functions of the presentembodiments. As a second variation, system 100 may exclude components offacility system 102 such as facility server 130. In such embodiments, acloud computing system including network server 160, third party server170, and/or database 180 may handle some or all computing andmessage-related functions of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of computer terminal 140, consistent withdisclosed embodiments. As shown, computer terminal 140 may include adisplay 210, one or more processors 220, input/output (“I/O”) devices230, a transceiver 240, and memory 250.

Display 210 may include one or more screens for displaying taskmanagement information such as, for example, liquid crystal display(LCD), plasma, cathode ray tube (CRT), or projected screens

Processor 220 may be one or more known processing devices, such asmicroprocessors manufactured by Intel™ or AMD™ or licensed by ARM.Processor 220 may constitute a single core or multiple core processorsthat executes parallel processes simultaneously. For example, processor220 may be a single core processor configured with virtual processingtechnologies. In certain embodiments, processor 220 may use logicalprocessors to simultaneously execute and control multiple processes.Processor 220 may implement virtual machine technologies, or other knowntechnologies to provide the ability to execute, control, run,manipulate, store, etc. multiple software processes, applications,programs, etc. In another embodiment, processor 220 may include amultiple-core processor arrangement (e.g., dual, quad core, etc.)configured to provide parallel processing functionalities to allowcomputer terminal 140 to execute multiple processes simultaneously. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would understand that other types ofprocessor arrangements could be implemented that provide for thecapabilities disclosed herein.

I/O devices 230 may include one or more devices that allow computerterminal 140 to receive input from one or more users 125. I/O devices230 may include, for example, one or more pointing devices, keyboards,buttons, switches, touchscreen panels, cameras, barcode scanners, radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag reader, and/or microphones.

Transceiver 240 may include one or more communication modules forestablishing communication between computer terminal 140 and otherdevices of system 100 via, for example, local network 110 and/or network150. For example, transceiver 240 may include circuitry and one or moreantennas for communicating wirelessly with local network 110 using ashort range/near-field wireless communication protocol such asBluetooth™, Bluetooth™ LE, WiFi, and Zigbee™. Further, transceiver 240may communicate with network 150 and/or local network 110 using anyknown network protocol including any form of wired or wireless internetaccess.

Memory 250 may include a volatile or non-volatile, magnetic,semiconductor, tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type ofstorage device or tangible (i.e., non-transitory) computer-readablemedium that stores one or more program(s) 252, such as app(s) 254, anddata 256. Data 256 may include, for example, hospital information,patient information, user information, task information, and displaysettings and preferences. For example, data 256 may include taskassignments and staff scheduling. In some embodiments, data 256 mayinclude one or more rule sets for load balancing staff scheduling.

Program(s) 252 may include operating systems (not shown) that performknown operating system functions when executed by one or moreprocessors. By way of example, the operating systems may includeMicrosoft Windows™, Unix™, Linux™, Apple™ operating systems, PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA) type operating systems, such as Microsoft CE™,or other types of operating systems. Accordingly, disclosed embodimentsmay operate and function with computer systems running any type ofoperating system. Computer terminal 140 may also include communicationsoftware that, when executed by a processor, provides communicationswith network 150 and/or local network 110, such as Web browser software,tablet, or smart hand held device networking software, etc.

Program(s) 252 may also include app(s) 254, such as a load balancing andworkflow management app, which when executed causes computer terminal140 to perform processes related to managing, prioritizing, andscheduling patient information and tasks. For example, app(s) 254 mayconfigure computer terminal 140 to perform operations includingreceiving information pertaining to a task of one or more departments,receiving staffing information, displaying staffing information,monitoring patient statuses, assigning tasks to employees, displayingemployee assignments, and monitoring task statuses.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an exemplary user device 120, consistent withdisclosed embodiments. As shown, user device 120 may include display310, I/O device(s) 320, processor 330, memory 340 having stored thereondata 346 and one or more programs 342, such as app(s) 344, sensor(s)350, and antenna 360.

Display 310 may include one or more devices for displaying information,including but not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCD), lightemitting diode (LED) screens, organic light emitting diode (OLED)screens, and other known display devices.

I/O devices 320 may include one or more devices that allow mobile device120 to send and receive information. I/O devices 320 may include, forexample, a pointing device, keyboard, buttons, switches, and/or atouchscreen panel. I/O devices 320 may also include one or morecommunication modules (not shown) for sending and receiving informationvia antenna 360 from other components in system 100 by, for example,establishing wired or wireless connectivity between mobile device 120 tolocal network 110, network 150, or by establishing direct wired orwireless connections between user device 120 and other components ofsystem 100. Direct connections may include, for example, Bluetooth™,Bluetooth LE™, WiFi, near field communications (NFC), or other knowncommunication methods which provide a medium for transmitting databetween separate devices.

Processor(s) 330 may be one or more known computing devices, such asthose described with respect to processor 220 in FIG. 2.

Memory 340 may be a volatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor,tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type of storage deviceor tangible (i.e., non-transitory) computer-readable medium such asthose described with respect to memory 250 in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, user device 120 may contain one or more sensors 350for collecting environmental, movement, and/or security data. Sensors350 may include: one or more environmental sensors such as, for example,ambient light sensors, microphones, temperature sensors, and humiditysensors; motion detectors such as, for example, GPS receivers,location-based data receivers, accelerometers, and gyroscopes; andsecurity sensors such as, for example, fingerprint readers, retinascanners, and other biometric sensors capable of use for security andindividual identification. In some embodiments, processor 330 may usedata collected by sensors 350 to control or modify functions ofprogram(s) 342.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an exemplary network server 160, consistentwith disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, network server 160 maysupport or provide a cloud computing service, such as Microsoft Azure™or Amazon Web Services™. In such embodiments, network server 160 mayinclude one or more distributed computer systems capable of performingdistributed computing functions and providing cloud computing servicesand functions consistent with disclosed embodiments. In someembodiments, network server 160 may operate in conjunction with facilityserver 130. In other embodiments, network server 160 may operate alone,and facility server 130 may be replaced by a network connection tonetwork 150 and/or local network 110. In such embodiments, networkserver 160 may perform all functions associated with the disclosedmethods. In other embodiments, facility server 130 may operate alone,without network server 160. In such embodiments, facility system 102 mayoperate as a standalone system, in which facility server 130 performsall functions associated with the disclosed methods. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the computing arrangements are notlimited to these examples, and that other embodiments may include one ormore alternate configurations of computing systems capable of performingfunctions associated with the disclosed embodiments.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may connect to multiplefacilities located in different geographical locations. In suchembodiments, network server 160 may manage tasks that span acrossmultiple facilities, such as transferring patients between facilities.Additionally, network server 160 may collect data from multiple units toevaluate performance times in different units, and improve the accuracyof expected completion times for different types of tasks using one ormore data regression algorithms.

As shown in FIG. 4, network server 160 may include one or moreprocessor(s) 420, input/output (“I/O”) devices 430, memory 440 storingprograms 442 (including, for example, server app(s) 444 and operatingsystem 446) and data 448, and a database 470. Network server 160 may bea single server or may be configured as a distributed computer systemincluding multiple servers or computers that interoperate to perform oneor more of the processes and functionalities associated with thedisclosed embodiments.

Processor(s) 420 may be one or more known computing devices, such asthose described with respect to processor 220 in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may also include one or more I/Odevices 430 including interfaces for receiving signals or input fromdevices and providing signals or output to one or more devices thatallow data to be received and/or transmitted by network server 160. Forexample, network server 160 may include interface components, which mayprovide interfaces to one or more input devices, such as one or morekeyboards, mouse devices, and the like, that enable network server 160to receive input from one or more user 125 that is associated withfacility system 102.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may include one or more storagedevices configured to store information used by processor 420 (or othercomponents) to perform certain functions related to the disclosedembodiments. In one example, network server 160 may include memory 440that includes instructions to enable processor 420 to execute one ormore applications such as server applications and any other type ofapplication or software known to be available on computer systems.Additionally or alternatively, the instructions, application programs,etc. may be stored in an internal database 470 or external database 180(shown in FIG. 1) in communication with network server 160, such as oneor more database or memory accessible over network 150. Database 470 orother external storage may be a volatile or non-volatile, magnetic,semiconductor, tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type ofstorage device or tangible (i.e., non-transitory) computer-readablemedium.

In one embodiment, network server 160 may include memory 440 thatincludes instructions that, when executed by processor 420, perform oneor more processes consistent with the functionalities disclosed herein.Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with disclosedembodiments are not limited to separate programs or computers configuredto perform dedicated tasks. For example, network server 160 may includememory 440 that may include one or more programs 442 to perform one ormore functions of the disclosed embodiments. Moreover, processor 420 mayexecute one or more programs located remotely from account informationdisplay system 100. For example, network server 160 may access one ormore remote programs, that, when executed, perform functions related todisclosed embodiments.

Programs 442 stored in memory 440 and executed by processor(s) 420 mayinclude one or more server app(s) 452 and operating system 454. Serverapp(s) 452 may incorporate one or more apps configured to receive inputof patient discharges and cleaning information, estimate on-demandstaffing requirements, automatically adjust scheduled staffing, andoutput the adjusted scheduled staffing to a user 125. In someembodiments, programs 442 may also include instructions that may beexecuted by processor 420 to perform real time locating systems (RTLS)through one or more wireless receivers of facility system 102. Processor420 may be configured to utilize RTLS to identify and track taggedobjects and people, and conditions of thereof. For example, objectsand/or people may be equipped with a badge/tag that emits an RFID signalthat may be detected by the wireless receivers of facility system 102.In some embodiments, processor 420 may detect the locations of patientsand determine their statuses. For instance, processor 420 may determinethat the patient is still occupying a bed when patient is located in oraround the bed. Processor 420 may also determine if the patient has beendischarged, for example, by determining that the patient is in a lobbyof facility system 102 for a certain period of time. Processor 420 mayalso track employees (e.g., users 125) by tracking GPS data of userdevices 120.

In some embodiments, memory 440 may store data 448 including dataassociated with hospitals, units, patients, employees, tasks, assets,assignment algorithms, and any other data related to the disclosedembodiments. For example, data 448 may include one or more entriesincluding information pertaining to employees (e.g., users 125)including identification, scheduled work assignments, personal traits,capabilities, certifications, job titles, and preferences. Data may alsoinclude transactional data indicating, for example, the types of jobsthat the employees have performed, and the start time, the end time, andthe duration of performed jobs. Data may also include presence dataindicating, for example, the location of the employees within facilitysystem 102 at different time points according to RTLS data. In someembodiments, data 448 is stored in database 470, memory 440, memory 250,memory 340, database 180, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, memory 440 and database 470 may include one or morememory devices that store data and instructions used to perform one ormore features of the disclosed embodiments. Memory 440 and database 470may also include any combination of one or more databases controlled bymemory controller devices (e.g., server(s), etc.) or software, such asdocument management systems, Microsoft SQL databases, SharePointdatabases, Oracle™ databases, Sybase™ databases, or other relationaldatabases.

Network server 160 may communicate with one or more remote memorydevices (e.g., third-party server 170 and/or database 180) throughnetwork 150 or a different network (not shown). The remote memorydevices may be configured to store information and may be accessedand/or managed by network server 160. By way of example only, the remotememory devices may be document management systems, Microsoft SQLdatabase, SharePoint databases, Oracle™ databases, Sybase™ databases, orother relational databases. Systems and methods consistent withdisclosed embodiments, however, are not limited to separate databases oreven to the use of a database.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for generatinggraphical user interfaces for load balancing 500. Process 500 mayprovide the advantage of properly staffing departments based on multipledifferent real-time staffing requirements across multiple departmentsand using data received from one or more computer systems, such asdischarges, routine cleaning, and/or on-demand requirements. Process 500may also advantageously provide communication between departments toalter work assignments for employees based on determined workloads.Furthermore, process 500 may optimize task assignments and outcomesbased on historical performance as periodically established andvalidated per employee (e.g. user 125). Process 500 may be employed toperiodically review workload assignments to employees among otherconditions and assign or redistribute work when applicable to ensurethat employees are neither overburdened nor underutilized and thatdepartments are ensured adequate employee resources in appropriateamounts. Process 500 is described herein as performed primarily bynetwork server 160, however in some embodiments, facility server 130,computer terminal 140, administration terminal 145, user device 120,and/or third party server 170 may perform one or more steps of process500.

Process 500 may be performed with other applications and/or components,and receive data from a number of different sources. In someembodiments, process 500 may be used in conjunction with one or moreapp(s) performed by at least one of network server 160, facility server130, computer terminal 140, administration terminal 145, user device120, and/or third party server 170. For example, network server 160 maybe configured to perform process 500 in conjunction with apps, such asreal-time patient placement, bed tracking, and/or workflow. Accordingly,the data received in process 500 may be generated by the apps.

Process 500 may begin in step 502 when network server 160 receives andprocesses data related to discharge of occupants (e.g., patients) forone or more computers associated with one or more departments. The datamay be received, for example, from an app executing on network server160, or from an app executing on a device such as user device 120. Insome embodiments, data may be received from a sensor device such assensor 350. In some embodiments, the data may relate to a hospitaldepartment and include one or more patients that are scheduled to bedischarged from the department, identity of the patients, and conditionsof the patients. For example, the data may indicate any transmittablediseases (e.g., MRSA) of the patients that may require specialaccommodations or special cleaning considerations. The data may alsoinclude discharge assignments, such as number and location of beds to becleaned, bed sheets to be replaced, and any additional requirements foreach discharge assignment. In some embodiments, the data may bequantified based on the total time requirement for discharge assignmentsof each department. For example, the time requirement may factor in anyadditional time required for a discharge assignment following occupancyof a patient with MRSA. The time requirement may include additionalsteps of a protocol of treating the room and/or surrounding areas basedon conditions. For instance, the protocol for reducing spread of thetransmittable disease may include ultraviolet irradiation of the bed andany surrounding areas, regular cleaning, additional inspection, and/oradditional cleaning steps. In some embodiments, the time requirement mayalso include transition times between each assignment. For example, adischarge assignment including the cleaning of first and second bedsthat are located further from each other may require additionaltransition time.

In step 504, network server 160 may receive and process data related toroutine assignments for the one or more departments. In someembodiments, the data may be received from another application (e.g., abed placement application) executed by network server 160 or anothercomputer system. The data related to routine cleaning may include a listor protocol of one or more tasks or milestones in a routine, and a timerequirement based on the current occupancy of the department. Forexample, the data may include time requirements for certain tasks andservices, such as mopping floors, cleaning rooms and/or cleaningbathrooms. The number of services may be based on the number ofoccupants, occupied beds, and/or occupied rooms that need to be cleaned.For example, the data related to daily cleaning may exclude anyunoccupied rooms where there is no cleaning required.

In step 506, network server 160 may estimate on-demand staffingrequirements for the one or more departments. In some embodiments theon-demand staffing requirements may include time requirements forunscheduled work assignments. For example, network server 160 mayaccount for variables such as unscheduled patients and/or cleaningrequirements (e.g., spills and accidents). Network server 160 may alsoaccount for variables such as the current occupancy of the departmentand the nature of the department. For example, a larger number ofoccupancies may correspond to increased time requirements of spills andaccidents due to the larger frequency of unscheduled cleaningrequirements. Furthermore, network server 160 may also account forvariables according to the department. For instance, some departments(e.g., an emergency room or ICU) may expect more unscheduled patientsand/or spills and accidents than other departments (e.g., internalmedicine). Accordingly, in some embodiments, network server 160 mayestimate the on-demand staffing requirements by executing softwarestored in database 470. The software may include look-up charts,statistical distributions, and/or algorithms based on the determinedvariables. Network server 160 may also utilize computer learningalgorithms for determining and continuously refining statistics. Forexample, network server 160 may receive real-time data of the actualcorrelation of the variables and on-demand schedule requirements, andupdate the software based on analyses of the real-time data.

In step 508, network server 160 may receive and process scheduled workassignments for the one or more departments from a database. The workassignments data may be stored in one or more of database 180, memory250, and/or memory 340. The work assignment data may include, forexample, dates and times that employees are scheduled to perform workassignments. The scheduled work data may also include identities of theone or more scheduled employees, capabilities of the employees, theassigned department(s), and/or the assigned duties and tasks. In someembodiments, the scheduled work assignments may be received from ascheduling app executed by one or more of user device 120, computerterminal 140, and/or third party server 170.

Network server 160 may process the received scheduled work assignmentsto determine the capabilities of the scheduled staff. For example,network server 160 may determine the capabilities by quantifying theworkload capable of the scheduled staff, for example, according to datafrom look-up charts, statistical distribution, and/or algorithms. Forinstance, network server 160 may determine the work rate that eachemployee performs tasks, such as a discharge assignment, and determinethe total number of tasks that the collective staff can perform in aspecific period of time. Network server 160 may also determine theamount of additional related work that the employee may perform based onthe scheduled tasks. For example, an employee working at a desk may haveavailability to clean up a spill or accident, while an employeescheduled for tasks in an operating room may not.

In step 510, network server 160 may determine whether the scheduled workassignments are appropriate for the requirements of each department. Insome embodiments, network server 160 may compare the requirements of thedepartment from steps 502-506 with the capabilities of the schedulestaff from step 508. For example, if network server 160 determines thatthe requirements of the department exceed the capabilities of thescheduled staff, network server 160 may determine that additionalscheduled staff is required for the department. On the other hand, ifnetwork server 160 determines the requirements of the department areless than the scheduled workload, network server 160 may determine thestaff of the department may be reduced. Network server 160 may determinestep 510 based on tolerances. For example, network server 160 maydetermine that the scheduled work assignments are appropriate if thescheduled work assignments exceed the requirements of each department bya 5-10% clearance. If network server 160 determines that the workassignments are appropriate (“YES”; step 510), process 500 may proceedto step 514. If the scheduled staffing appropriate is determined to beinappropriate (“NO”; step 510), network server 160 may proceed to step512.

In step 512, network server 160 may automatically adjust the scheduledwork assignments based on the scheduled staffing data. In someembodiments, network server 160 may modify the schedule of a departmentby adding/subtracting scheduled work assignments of step 508 based onthe department requirements of steps 502-506. In some embodiments,network server 160 may compare the scheduled work assignments betweendifferent departments, for example, in the same hospital. For example,if network server 160 determines a first department lacks scheduledemployees and a second department has excessive scheduled employees,network server 160 may mutually adjust the work assignments for each ofthe first and second departments. For instance, network server 160 maymodify one or more work assignments of the second department byreassigning one or more employees to the first department. Networkserver 160 may also alter work assignments for one or more scheduledemployees based on capability. For example, if network server 160determines that there are excessive scheduled work assignments forprocessing discharges, network server 160 may alter the work assignmentfor one or more employees to perform routine cleaning or desk duty. Insome embodiments, network server 160 may adjust work assignments basedon availability or lack thereof of specialized or otherwise preferredemployees. For example, a task related to moving a piece of equipmentmay be assigned or reassigned to an equipment delivery specialist, ifavailable, and to a more general employee if no equipment deliveryspecialist is available. This scenario may arise for example, in ahospital with different staffing during day and night shifts. Thehospital may have specialized employees available at one time in a day(e.g., during the daytime) and fewer, less specialized employeesavailable at another time in a day (e.g., during the nighttime)

In step 514, network server 160 may update the work assignment data onthe database. In step 516, network server 160 may generate one or moregraphical user interfaces to display the updated work assignment datafrom the database. In some embodiments, network server 160 may generatea graphical user interface (GUI) to be displayed, for example, on userdevice 120 and/or computer terminal 140. For instance, network server160 may display the GUI on display 210, 310 to one or more user(s) 125.Network server 160 may provide the data for display in the GUI based onaccessed permissions for user 125. For example, network server 160 maydisplay data to users 125 based on the work assignments of the specificuser 125. Network server 160 may also display more data to other users125, such as supervisors, based on accessed permissions. In someembodiments, the updated work assignment data may be transmitted inother forms, such as through an audio output of user device 120 and/orcomputer terminal 140. In some embodiments, the displayed GUI mayinclude interactive elements, to allow users 125 to select specific workassignments and see additional data, or to make adjustments to workassignments. In some embodiments, the displayed GUI may be formatted fora mobile device such as user device 120.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for generatinggraphical user interfaces for staged cleaning 600. Process 600 mayprovide the advantage of ensuring that required subtasks are performedin response to certain task requests. In some cases, process 600 mayautomatically schedule subtasks that may reduce the possible spread ofinfectious diseases. Process 600 is described herein as performedprimarily by network server 160, however in some embodiments, facilityserver 130, computer terminal 140, administration terminal 145, userdevice 120, and/or third party server 170 may perform one or more stepsof process 500.

Process 600 may begin in step 602 when network server 160 may receiveand process a requested task. The task request may be received from user125 via user device 120 and/or computer terminal 140. The task mayrelate to any number of objects. For example, the task may relate tocleaning tasks in a hospital environment.

In step 604, network server 160 may determine subtasks correlating tothe requested task. In some embodiments, network server 160 may accessdata (e.g., from look-up charts) stored in one or more of database 180,memory 250, memory 340, and database 470. Network server 160 may processthe requested task by accessing hospital and/or patient informationrelated to the requested task. Network server 160 may also determinewhether the requested task corresponds to one or more predeterminedtasks of a look-up chart. The look-up chart may provide one or moresubtasks that correspond to the requested tasks based on the patientand/or hospital information. Process 600 may have a particular advantagefor the cleaning process in a hospital environment. For example, networkserver 160 may receive a requested task related to cleaning an area of ahospital. The area may include one or more rooms and/or beds that werepreviously occupied by a patient. Network server 160 may access patientinformation including one or more conditions (e.g., transmittablediseases) that need to be considered for the cleaning. Network server160 may also access a look-up chart to determine whether the requestedtask and/or condition(s) trigger any additional subtasks. For example,based on a patient having MRSA, the network server 160 may accesssubtasks via look-up chart, including one or more of ultravioletirradiation of the bed and any surrounding areas, regular cleaning,additional inspection, and/or additional cleaning steps.

In step 606, network server 160 may automatically update the workassignment data of the database with the subtasks of step 604. Forexample, network server may replace the requested task (e.g., cleaning abed of a patient with MRSA) with subtasks, such as one or more ofultraviolet irradiation of the bed and any surrounding areas, regularcleaning, additional inspection, and additional cleaning steps. In someembodiments, network server 160 may generate and maintain a functionalrelationship between the subtasks to ensure coordinated performance. Forexample, the scheduling of a second subtask may depend on the durationof a first subtask, such that, network server 160 may introduce a delayin the commencement of the second subtask upon perceiving a delay in thecompletion of the first subtask. In some embodiments, network server 160may assign subtasks to one or more employees based on data 448 (e.g.,scheduling, capabilities, certifications, job titles, RTLS data). Forexample, network server 160 may assign a first subtask to one or morefirst employee(s) and a second subtask to one or more secondemployee(s). As a more specific example, a requested task of cleaning abed of a patient with MRSA may be replaced with subtasks such asultraviolet disinfection, standard cleaning, curtain removal, and roominspection. Assignment of these subtasks may be divided among two ormore employees, or the tasks may be assigned separately, each task to adifferent employee. In step 608, network server 160 may output theupdated work assignment data. The updating and outputting of the workassignment data may be performed similar to steps 514-516.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for generatinggraphical user interfaces for tracking a work assignment 700. Process700 may be used in conjunction with other processes, such as a real-timepatient placement process. In some embodiments process 700 may beapplied to discharge assignments of one or more departments, includingassigned bed cleaning after a patient has been discharged. Process 700may enhance efficiency during discharge of the patients and improvecapacity for patient placement by providing a comprehensive display ofreal-time data concerning multiple factors and from multiple sources.Process 700 is described herein as performed primarily by network server160, however in some embodiments, facility server 130, computer terminal140, administration terminal 145, user device 120, and/or third partyserver 170 may perform one or more steps of process 700. Even thoughprocess 700 is described with regard to cleaning beds, it is alsocontemplated that process 700 may also be adapted to other manualactivities such as patient transportation.

In step 702, network server 160 may retrieve and process patient and/ordepartment data from a database and/or a computer device such as userdevice 120. In some embodiments, network server 160 may access datarelated to discharge assignments stored in one or more of database 470,memory 440, memory 250, memory 340, database 180, and any combinationthereof. For example, the data may include the number and/or location ofa plurality of beds to be cleaned in one or more departments of thehospital. The data may include scheduled patient occupants of the bedsand patient information of the occupying patients. For example, thepatient information may include the identification of the patient, astatus of the patient, and/or any scheduled bed occupations ordischarges. In some embodiments, network server 160 may further receivedata from a sensor device such as sensors 350, such as a real-timelocating system device or an occupancy sensor installed in a bed orroom. For example, network server 160 may be configured track an RFIDbadge associated with one or more patients to determine an occupancystatus or location of the patients. Network server 160 may also beconfigured to track an RFID badge of employees and/or tags on equipment.For example, network server 160 may be configured to track equipmentwithin facility system 102 and/or detect bed occupancy by real-time datareceived from a weight sensor in a bed.

In step 704, network server 160 may continually monitor the receiveddata to determine whether a triggering event occurs, such as the changeof a status of the patients and/or beds. For example, network server 160may determine whether the expected discharge of any of the patients hasoccurred, and/or whether an employee has indicated the status of a bedhas changed. For instance, user 125 may indicate that a discharge hasoccurred via one or more of user device 120 and/or computer terminal140. In some embodiments, network server 160 may determine the change instatus of a bed by determining the location and/or status of the patientassigned to the bed. For example, using collected data from one or morelocation or occupancy sensors, network server 160 may determine that anRFID badge has been removed from a patient and/or the patient has beenin a lobby of a hospital (e.g., facility system 102) for a predeterminedtime period. Network server 160 may determine that, based on thelocation/occupancy data satisfying one or more conditions or exceedingone or more rules, the patient is being discharged from the hospital,and the bed to which the patient was assigned is now unoccupied andready for cleaning. Further triggering events may include receipt of anorder for treatment (such as infusion therapy, a procedure, or a test)or an inventory status change such as an inventory crossing a threshold,for instance a Par level variance in a clean utility room. If networkserver 160 determines that a trigger event has not occurred (“NO”; step704), network server 160 may continually retrieve and processing dataaccording to step 702. However, if network server 160 determines that atrigger event has occurred (“YES”; step 704), network server 160 mayproceed to step 706.

In step 706, network server may automatically generate one or more tasksand notify selected employee(s) (e.g., user(s) 125). In someembodiments, network server 160 may generate a discharge assignment andautomatically notify selected user(s) 125 of the discharge assignment.The selected user(s) 125 may include one or more user(s) 125 that areresponsible for the task (e.g., managing the discharge assignment). Theselected user(s) 125 may be notified in a number of different manners,including a call, a text message, a push notification, a message withinan app, and/or an email. Network server 160 may transmit thenotification to user(s) 125 through one or more of user device 120,computer terminal 140, an intercom, and/or a station phone of facilitysystem 102. In some embodiments, network server 160 may generate orupdate a GUI notifying user(s) 125 of the task. Network server 160 maysend updates and reminders to the user(s) by generating or updated theGUI. Network server 160 may also recalculate or update the determinationof selected user(s) 125 based on events, such as lack of acceptance frompreviously selected user(s) 125.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may be configured to create adivision of labor by selecting user(s) 125 based on the task beinglocated in an area of the department and/or hospitals. For example,network server 160 may assign user(s) 125 responsibilities for a certainnumber of beds in close proximity, or for beds of an entire department.Network server 160 may assign responsibilities to user 125 that overlapswith other user(s) 125. Furthermore, network server 160 may assignsymmetric and/or asymmetric responsibilities, for example, based oncapacity (e.g., availability and skill) of user(s) 125 to performassigned tasks.

In step 708, network server 160 may determine whether an employee (e.g.,user 125) has acknowledged and accepted the task. In some embodiments,network server 160 may automatically determine that user 125 hasacknowledged the task if user device 120 associated with a user 125indicates that the user 125 has accessed or viewed the notification forthe task. In some embodiments, network server 160 may determineacknowledgement and acceptance based on an input received from user 125via user device 120. In some embodiments, network server 160 maydetermine that acknowledgement acceptance based on one or more sensordevices of a real time locating system. For example, network server 160may determine user 125 accepted a task based on user 125 being locatedproximate the task. If no indication of acceptance (“NO”; step 706) isreceived after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., about 5 minutes),network server 160 may send a reminder notification to the selecteduser(s) 125 in step 706 to ensure receipt. In some embodiments, if thereis no acceptance from selected users 125, network server 160 may alterthe determination of the selected user(s) 125 and send notifications toadditional user(s) 125 in step 706 to increase chances that the task iscompleted.

Once a selected user 125 acknowledges receipt of the notification andaccepts the task (“YES”; step 708), network server 160 may proceed tostep 710 to change the status of the bed to “acknowledged.” In someembodiments, network server 160 may transmit an indication to one ormore user(s) 125 indicating the acknowledged status of the task. Forexample, network server 160 may transmit an indication to selecteduser(s) including supervisors and/or other employees responsible for thetask. For instance, network server 160 may generate the indication bygenerating or updating a GUI including the acknowledged status. Theindication may be transmitted to one or more of user interface 120,computer terminal 140, and/or third party server 170. Network server 160may also determine and indicate subsequent states of the task, such aswhen user 125 is en route to the task area (e.g., “dispatched”) and/orwhen user is engaged in the task (“in progress”). For example, in someembodiments, network server 160 may determine that user 125 is en routeto the task area according to RTLS data, and determine when the user isengaging a discharge assignment according to sensors in the bed. Networkserver 160 may indicate the progress of the task in a similar manner.Network server 160 may then proceed to step 712.

In step 712, network server 160 may determine whether the employee(e.g., user 125) has indicated that the task is completed. Thisdetermination of step 712 may be performed in a similar manner as step708, requiring an action by user 125 to update network server 160. Ifuser 125 does not indicate that the task is completed (“NO”; step 712),network server 160 may return to step 710. If user 125 indicates thatthe task is completed (“YES”; step 712), network server 160 may proceedto step 714. In some embodiments, user 125 may alternatively indicatethat the task is delayed or suspended. For example, network server 160may accordingly delay or suspend the task for a predetermined timeperiod or as otherwise indicated.

In step 714, network server 160 may automatically generate an indicationto selected employees (e.g., users 125) indicating that the task iscompleted. For instance, network server 160 may generate the indicationby generating or updating a GUI including the status. The indication maybe transmitted to one or more of user device 120, computer terminal 140,and/or third party server 170, similar to step 710.

In step 716, network server 160 may record details of task and updatedata stored in a database. In some embodiments, network server 160 mayrecord the identity of user 125 that received the notifications in step706 and/or completed the task in steps 708 and/or 712. Network server160 may also record the type of task, date, time, duration of task,and/or any other details of the performance of the task. The data may bestored in one or more of one or more of database 180, memory 250, memory340, and database 470.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to the preciseforms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of theembodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification andpractice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, the describedimplementations include hardware, firmware, and software, but systemsand methods consistent with the present disclosure can be implemented ashardware alone.

Computer programs based on the written description and methods of thisspecification are within the skill of a software developer. The variousprograms or program modules can be created using a variety ofprogramming techniques. For example, program sections or program modulescan be designed in or by means of Java, C, C++, assembly language, orany such programming languages. One or more of such software sections ormodules can be integrated into a computer system, non-transitorycomputer-readable media, or existing communications software.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, thescope includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across variousembodiments), adaptations or alterations based on the presentdisclosure. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods can be modifiedin any manner, including by reordering steps or inserting or deletingsteps.

1. A centralized server for event monitoring and automating electroniccommunications, comprising: at least one network interface forbidirectional communication with a plurality of mobile devices on atleast one computer network; at least one processor communicativelyconnected to the at least one network interface; and a storage mediumstoring instructions that when executed, cause the at least oneprocessor to perform operations including: receiving, via the at leastone network interface, event information indicative of at least onedischarge event associated with one or more individuals assigned to oneor more rooms; automatically identifying a department associated withthe one or more rooms in the received event information; automaticallyreceiving, from one or more databases connected to the at least onecomputer network, cleaning protocol information for the identifieddepartment; identifying, in the received cleaning protocol information,one or more milestones to be completed; automatically generatingworkload data indicating a workload amount proportionate to theidentified milestones; receiving, from the one or more databases,electronic device contact information and assignment information for aplurality of individuals associated with the cleaning protocolinformation; comparing the assignment information and the workload datato identify a first individual capable of completing the one or moremilestones; automatically assigning the one or more milestones to thefirst individual; automatically identifying, in the electronic devicecontact information, a first mobile device associated with the firstindividual; and automatically generating a first electronic notificationaddressed to the first mobile device, the first electronic notificationincluding information associated with the at least one discharge eventand the one or more milestones.
 2. The computerized system of claim 1,wherein at least one of the cleaning protocol information, theelectronic device contact information, or the assignment information isretrieved from one or more look-up tables stored in the one or moredatabases.
 3. The computerized system of claim 1, wherein the at leastone processor is further configured to perform operations including:receiving real-time information for at least one unscheduled task;generate, based on the received real-time information, an on-demandworkload level; and modify an assignment of the one or more milestonesbased on the generated on-demand workload level.
 4. The computerizedsystem of claim 3, wherein the received real-time information includes areal-time occupancy level of the occupancy level of the identifieddepartment, and the generated on-demand workload level is further basedon the real-time occupancy level.
 5. The computerized system of claim 1,wherein the at least one processor is further configured to performoperations including: determining whether the assignment informationexceeds a predefined department performance level by a predeterminedpercentage; and adjusting the assignment of the one or more milestonesby adding or subtracting one or more assignments of the firstindividual, when the assignment information exceeds the predefineddepartment performance level.
 6. A centralized server-based method forevent monitoring and automating electronic communications, the methodcomprising: receiving, by at least one processor via at least onenetwork interface to at least one computer network, event informationindicative of at least one discharge event associated with one or moreindividuals assigned to one or more rooms; automatically identifying adepartment associated with the one or more rooms in the received eventinformation; automatically receiving, from one or more databasesconnected to the at least one computer network, cleaning protocolinformation for the identified department; identifying, in the receivedcleaning protocol information, one or more milestones to be completed;automatically generating workload data indicating a workload amountproportionate to the identified milestones; receiving, from the one ormore databases, electronic device contact information and assignmentinformation for a plurality of individuals associated with the cleaningprotocol information; comparing the assignment information and theworkload data to identify a first individual capable of completing theone or more milestones; automatically assigning the one or moremilestones to the first individual; automatically identifying, in theelectronic device contact information, a first mobile device associatedwith the first individual; and automatically generating a firstelectronic notification addressed to the first mobile device, the firstelectronic notification including information associated with the atleast one discharge event and the one or more milestones.
 7. Thecomputerized method of claim 6, wherein at least one of the cleaningprotocol information, the electronic device contact information, or theassignment information is retrieved from one or more look-up tablesstored in the one or more databases.
 8. The computerized method of claim6, further comprising: receiving real-time information for at least oneunscheduled task; generate, based on the received real-time information,an on-demand workload level; and modify an assignment of the one or moremilestones based on the generated on-demand workload level.
 9. Thecomputerized method of claim 8, wherein the received real-timeinformation includes a real-time occupancy level of the occupancy levelof the identified department, and the generated on-demand workload levelis further based on the real-time occupancy level.
 10. The computerizedmethod of claim 6, further comprising: determining whether theassignment information exceeds a predefined department performance levelby a predetermined percentage; and adjusting the assignment of the oneor more milestones by adding or subtracting one or more assignments ofthe first individual, when the assignment information exceeds thepredefined department performance level.
 11. A non-transitory computerreadable medium storing instructions which, when executed, cause atleast one networked processor of a centralized server to performoperations for event monitoring and automating electroniccommunications, the operations comprising: receiving, via at least onenetwork interface to at least one computer network, event informationindicative of at least one discharge event associated with one or moreindividuals assigned to one or more rooms; automatically identifying adepartment associated with the one or more rooms in the received eventinformation; automatically receiving, from one or more databasesconnected to the at least one computer network, cleaning protocolinformation for the identified department; identifying, in the receivedcleaning protocol information, one or more milestones to be completed;automatically generating workload data indicating a workload amountproportionate to the identified milestones; receiving, from the one ormore databases, electronic device contact information and assignmentinformation for a plurality of individuals associated with the cleaningprotocol information; comparing the assignment information and theworkload data to identify a first individual capable of completing theone or more milestones; automatically assigning the one or moremilestones to the first individual; automatically identifying, in theelectronic device contact information, a first mobile device associatedwith the first individual; and automatically generating a firstelectronic notification addressed to the first mobile device, the firstelectronic notification including information associated with the atleast one discharge event and the one or more milestones.
 12. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein at leastone of the cleaning protocol information, the electronic device contactinformation, or the assignment information is retrieved from one or morelook-up tables stored in the one or more databases.
 13. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, the operationsfurther comprising: receiving real-time information for at least oneunscheduled task; generate, based on the received real-time information,an on-demand workload level; and modify an assignment of the one or moremilestones based on the generated on-demand workload level.
 14. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein thereceived real-time information includes a real-time occupancy level ofthe occupancy level of the identified department, and the generatedon-demand workload level is further based on the real-time occupancylevel.
 15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, theoperations further comprising: determining whether the assignmentinformation exceeds a predefined department performance level by apredetermined percentage; and adjusting the assignment of the one ormore milestones by adding or subtracting one or more assignments of thefirst individual, when the assignment information exceeds the predefineddepartment performance level.